In an Ideal World by John Pilger

Interview by Josie Demuth
Photo by Lindsay Beyerstein

We know we are prone to a good old rant at the La Bouche towers so we like to give our readers a positive vision to aspire to, rather than moan n groan about how doomed our planet seems politically. We still can't believe how lucky we are that our all-time hero; the hugely important author, film maker and journalist John Pilger agreed to give some of his invaluable pearls of wisdom on what may constitute a better, fairer world....

LB: You once wrote "It is not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the message and the myths that surround it." So in an ideal world how would hidden agendas, propaganda and censorship be avoided in the media?

JP: By freeing the media from its power brokers, its monopolists and cynics; then by telling the truth, or as much of it as possible; and by being vigilant to the influence of vested interests, and learning to bypass them; by understanding that truth rarely comes from the top of societies, and by respecting the truth of those at the bottom.LB: In an ideal world, would there be governments, and if so how would weensure those in power were not corrupted?

JP: You use the term 'ideal world'. But we're not talking about an ideal world, rather a world that works: a practical world, a world that reflects the best of a man or women: their common sense. At present, the world doesn't work. It's ridiculous that one per cent own 40 per cent of humanity's wealth. It's impractical that billions of dollars are spent on arms: that we are called upon to fight a non-existent war on terror when a war on starvation cries out for combatants. And yes, there would be governments. But they would be democratic governments, constantly called to account by their constituents. That doesn't happen now.

LB: How would wealth be distributed? Would there be moneylenders?
JP: The world's wealth belongs to us all. Wealth should be distributed to those who work for it and need it. Ordinary human beings operate this form socialism in their private lives, because it's practical; it's common sense.

LB: How would wars be prevented?
For a start, all armament sales would be abolished, as the UN says should happen -- because it's common sense. That should end most wars.

LB:In an ideal world, if you could change one thing from the last 100years, what would it be?
JP: Modern imperialism -- the notion that one country can control others, and their resources. That's absurd. It's time to junk it.